APC Fires Back! Blasts Peter Obi Over ‘Yahoo Boys’ Remark

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, over his recent remarks describing internet fraudsters (popularly known as Yahoo Boys) as “geniuses” who need proper redirection.

Obi, while speaking at a youth conference in Onitsha on Saturday, had argued that many internet fraudsters possess creativity and intelligence that could be channelled into productive and legitimate ventures if properly guided.

Reacting to the comment in a statement issued on Sunday, the APC spokesperson in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, described Obi’s remarks as “morally reprehensible” and unbecoming of a political leader.

“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo-Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent,” Oladejo said.

“We are deeply concerned about Obi’s moral compass. How can someone who consistently condemns corruption turn around to glorify cybercrime? Such contradictions expose a dangerous moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”

Oladejo further accused the former Anambra State governor of seeking political relevance through controversy, describing his comments as a reckless attempt at attention-seeking.

“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unrestrained desperation,” he added.

The APC spokesman also alleged that Obi misled many young Nigerians during the 2023 elections through “propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation.” He urged the LP candidate to apologise to Nigerian youths, warning that such rhetoric could promote moral decay and irresponsibility.

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and moral values, Oladejo stressed that leadership must always be anchored on “integrity, responsibility, and sound ethical judgment.”